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Manage Construction Seasonal Slowdowns
Regardless of where your business operates, most operations have seasonal ups and downs. It may be driven by the weather, your specific market or even your industry. Whatever the reason, these peaks and valleys can impact your financial situation. Keep reading to see the solutions available from Cat Financial that keep your business profitable year-round.
Estimated read time: 4 minutes
4 Things to Consider Before a Seasonal Slowdown
When businesses face construction slowdowns, it’s important to plan ahead. Here are a few key factors to consider prior.
Predictable Slowdowns:
Seasonal weather conditions can often be anticipated. For example, colder months might cause project delays, while certain times of the year may experience lower demand for construction services.
Unpredictable but Common Challenges:
While some factors are forecastable, others — like economic crashes, political changes and supply chain disruptions — are more difficult to predict but can heavily impact business operations.
What a Company Needs to Survive:
To get through slow periods, companies need to have extra cash saved up. It also helps to expand into other types of work during off-seasons to keep the business going.
Strategizing Financial Obligations:
Companies must be smart about their finances. This means deciding whether to use rentals and leases, which offer flexibility, or invest in buying equipment with cash or financing to build long-term value. Leases can be a smart option if you want low monthly payments but need equipment available year-round and the predictable payments help keep cash flow steady. Remember, banks still expect regular payments, even in slow times, so careful planning is key.
Take the time to evaluate your current financing strategies and consider how you can implement more flexible solutions to thrive in any market condition.
Stay Profitable With Cat Financial Support
Cat Financial builds flexibility into our financing agreements and provides a range of options for qualified customers. This is especially valuable for businesses that work on a seasonal schedule, whether it's a slow period due to the type of jobs your company takes on, or if you regularly shut your doors for a few months each year.
Loan Or Lease
If you need to finance equipment, you can choose between a traditional loan or a lease. A traditional loan is a good choice if you want to buy a machine and own it for the long term. A lease, on the other hand, helps keep your monthly payments low, so you can use your cash for other needs. These options can work together to give you more financial flexibility, no matter the season.
TRADITIONAL LOAN:
For buying a machine and owning it for the long term
LEASE:
For keeping your monthly payments low
Rental Equipment
Renting equipment can be a smart choice for construction companies that need machines for busy seasons but don’t want to make payments during slower months. With rentals, you only pay for the equipment when you’re using it, which helps save money when business slows down. Renting also gives companies the flexibility to take on different types of projects during the off season without having to buy new equipment. This way, businesses can keep working and manage their cash flow without the extra cost of owning equipment they don't use year-round.
Pay For Use
Caterpillar Pay For UseTM is a financing option that allows you to pay based on how often your equipment is used. You’ll have a minimum monthly fee, with additional charges that depend on the amount of usage. One of the biggest benefits of the Pay For Use program is the option for seasonal skip payments. If your business experiences predictable slowdowns, such as offseasons, this feature can help reduce your financial burden during those quieter months. This flexibility helps keep your cash flow steady while your equipment isn’t in use.
Working Capital Loan
If business slows down and you find yourself needing money to cover expenses or keep operations running smoothly, a working capital loan provides the funds you need. This type of loan offers flexibility, allowing you to use the cash for whatever your business requires, whether it’s paying bills, covering payroll or managing other costs. It’s a great way to ensure your company stays afloat during tough times without having to worry about immediate financial pressures.
Cat® Card
The Cat® Card is a convenient way to make business easy all year round. It allows you to purchase parts and repairs when needed, without worrying about paying the full amount upfront. With the Cat Card, you can spread out payments over time, which is especially helpful if you’re in the off season and want to avoid large expenses all at once. This flexibility lets you take care of your equipment needs when they arise while managing your cash flow more effectively, helping you stay on track even during slower months.
Flexibility From Cat Financial When You Need It
Unlike traditional banks, which often offer rigid, fixed payment schedules, Cat Financial understands the unique challenges businesses face due to seasonal conditions. Fixed payment structures can be difficult for companies during slow periods, especially when cash flow is tight. That’s why Cat Financial offers flexibility, allowing payment schedules that align with your business’s needs. For many qualified customers, there are even options for skip payments, providing the ability to pause payments during off-seasons and resume when business picks up. This flexibility helps your company avoid the financial strain of regular payments when work slows down, making it easier to manage cash flow year-round.
With all these options in your back pocket, you’ve got a range of solutions to tackle the financial risks of seasonal downturn. To make doing business easy all year round, apply for the Cat® Card. The Cat Card account is an easy way to pay for parts, attachments, service and protection plans for all your Cat equipment. Check out what the Cat Card can do for you and your small business through all the seasons.
Learn more about Cat Financial services or simply begin the financing application process.
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